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Go to Red Rooster—for the bar

29 Jul

Sorry, but I thought the food was meh. The Red Rooster bar scene, though, is full of energy: bright, bustling and beautiful (the people, too). The bar itself is huge; there are plenty of seats should you want a bite with your cocktail (mine had vodka, agave and muddled grapes). No need for a big meal here, but if you must snack, stick with the cornbread (comes with interesting tomato jam) and crab cakes. Mac and cheese just OK but will get the job done. Overall, though, I’m happy this place came to Harlem—it’s a great addition to the neighborhood.

Go for the drinks, stay for the music and soak up the vibe (but not during a heat wave because a/c is weak).

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You won’t believe where I found the best Bloody Mary

18 Jul

Usually I stay faaaar away from Brother Jimmy’s but after being tipped off that their Bloody Marys were superb, I had to taste for myself. And I’m sorry, but it’s true. Yes, they are sizable, served in 16-oz. mason jars, and yes, they are strong. But the spicy, salty, savory taste is what sold me. At the Eighth and 31st location, the chef is so private about his secret mix that he stirs it up in the kitchen—even the bartenders aren’t allowed to know how he makes his magic. Perfect air-conditioned break on those aimless, meander-around-the-city summer afternoons.

Secret BBQ Oasis in Chelsea

13 Jul

Only during the summer and only on Tuesday nights, East of Eighth transforms its back garden into an all-you-can eat BBQ fest for $25. Chef Marty serves up dry-rubbed, long-smoked brisket, lamb, chicken, ribs and salmon. Apps and sides include guac, salsa, corn relish, cucumber salad, marinated beets, coleslaw, green beans, grits and plenty more (all made in-house). Plus neverending baskets of bread and blue tortilla chips. Wine list very reasonable—since rosé goes well with BBQ, we tried the Le Petit Saint-Jacques for $30. A peaceful escape from the city, the garden also has a fountain that trickles into a pond with turtles and goldfish; awnings and fans keep things cool. This is a fun and inexpensive night out—just come with an empty stomach.

Seriously Impress a Date at 2nd Floor on Clinton

8 Jul

You know those ridiculously pretentious speakeasys made for the masses? This is not one. 2nd Floor on Clinton is basically an old studio apartment that has been converted into a tiny bar. The furniture is a mix of antique couches and lamps and a few chairs that look like they could be in Seinfeld’s apartment. Bookshelves make it super homey—sit by the window and look out on the LES below. There are even a few mini shutters for privacy/eavesdropping.

The bar is only open Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Enter through the back of Barramundi (which is a pleasant place in itself with a happy hour that goes until 9). Cocktails are $14—don’t stay for too many. Next time I am trying the Topsy-Turvy: Death’s Door vodka, honey liqueur, fresh ginger, lime and club soda. And Topsy is the name of a donkey, if you must know. See if you can find the old framed photograph of him on the wall.

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Fit for Foodies! New spot near Times Square

28 Jun

Not all of us can dine at Esca. But across the street on that same corner of 43rd and Ninth is the slightly more affordable but very new and innovative Elsewhere. Open and airy (acoustics a bit loud when full), this place is a magical addition to the area. Try The Sound cocktail, made with vodka from Long Island, mezcal, pink peppercorn syrup and lime juice. In fact, the bar is only stocked with artisanal spirits—no big brands. Munch on Bacon Butter Popcorn while checking out the menu of seasonal ingredients from local farms. (Or maybe opt for the Lavender-Rosemary Popcorn; you might reach maximum butter capacity from the Biscuits with Brown Butter and Crushed Black Pepper.)

Entrees are similarly special: I had Pan-Seared Tilefish with Sauteed Swiss Chard and Rhubarb Buerre Blanc. And a 5-Spoke Tumbleweed (it’s a cheese, dummy!) Poutine. While a $14 side seemed a bit ridiculous, it was the only exorbitantly priced thing on the menu—and it came on a huge plate. For dessert: the not overly sweet and pretty much perfect Chocolate Bourbon Icebox Cake with Bourbon Vanilla Ice Cream.

You can eat well near Times Square!

You can make a reservation!

You can enjoy pleasant, knowledgeable servers!

You can go on a MONDAY when the already reasonably priced wine list is half off!

Menus here.

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Who Doesn’t Like Candy?

27 Jun

A new-ish store has opened in Manhattan. Or should I call it a shop. Or perhaps shoppe, since it’s filled with sweets from the UK. Owned by a former restauranteur from England who goes by “Jigs,” The London Candy Co. is filled to the brim with Cadbury, Thortons and Terry’s (you know—the chocolate orange), along with “digestive” biscuits and Walker’s crisps (salt to offset the sugar). When I visited, Jigs was handing out candy to kids on the street like a British Willy Wonka.

And not to worry if you find yourself on the Upper East Side at 9am without chocolate on the brain—the place also serves Stumptown coffee.

Cheerio.

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A feel-good documentary for New Yorkers, Etc.

23 Jun

A new indie doc coming out next week (July 1), Love, Etc follows a handful of New Yorkers in love or looking for it, including three couples and two single men. It’s poignant, funny and pretty damn accurate.

Meet an elderly pair from Canarsie who’ve been married for 48 years, a divorced dad with two teens living in Forest Hills, a gay play director who wants to be a father, two high school seniors enjoying their first serious relationship and a newlywed Indian couple living in Jamaica Hills.

WATCH THE TRAILER

You might appreciate this film if you have an affinity for any of the following:

-New York City

-documentaries

-people

-theater

-family

-music

-love

-life

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Where to eat near Penn Station (or Port Authority)

21 Jun

You know when friends come into the city for dinner via Penn Station and want to stay in that area because of time constraints? I used to cringe because the options were so limited/gross/uninspiring. But last night I discovered Mercato on 39th b/t Eighth and Ninth. It’s a solid, reasonably priced Italian spot with a cozy, rustic interior—practically unheard of in this No Man’s Land. Pastas run about $12 to $15, entrees are a few bucks more. Expect interesting apps, quite a few fish options and a decent list of Italian wines. Mercato won’t change your life, but it could very well save an evening.

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I ate a cookie and died

3 Jun

Usually I am kind of meh about sweets but last night at a party I had a cookie from the Upper West Side’s Levain Bakery and it pretty much rocked my world. (Levain is French for leavening.) The thick, gooey concoction was almost like a scone in consistency—so amazing that I forgave the nuts in the chocolate chip variety. (The only four flavors are chocolate chip walnut, dark chocolate chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin and dark chocolate peanut butter chip.) Seriously, what do they put in those things???? Is it wrong to eat them for breakfast? Anyway, the place has been around for years and apparently I was the last one to know about it but never have I ever put something so yummy in my mouth. Order online here.

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$5 craft beer (where you least expect it)

1 Jun

Open since 2009,  The Pony Bar still surprises people when I tell them about it. The seriously solid selection of 20 American craft beers—drafts like Abita, Troeg’s, Ommegang and Victory—are just $5. Location is weird: the No Man’s Land where Midtown West meets Hell’s Kitchen. But it’s very convenient if you find yourself in the Theater District. Get a buck off during happy hour from 4:20-5:20 pm or go for the gold and become an official Pony All-American by completing a 100 beer cycle. (I dare you.)

Pony up!

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